At the end ofDancing With the Stars last night when Tom Bergeron announced Pia Toscano will be singing next week, this could only lead to one conclusion: Coincidence? Her new “good friend” Mark Ballas denied pulling any strings for the recent American Idol castoff.

Mark ‘fessed up: He did not pull any strings and didn’t even have a say in it! Mark told E! Online, “I wish I could work my magic with the producers.” He added, “No, I have no say in these things. I show up to my rehearsals on time, where I’m meant to be. And that’s that.”

So, as for whether or not he’ll do a sizzling solo number while Pia sings? That would be a negative. “I’m dancing with Karina [Smirnoff], so that should be awesome, because she is awesome. Both of them are awesome. Awesome vocalist, awesome dancer, so I’m excited.” Sounds pretty awesome indeed!